Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as mastersons bar the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing mastersons bar moonee ponds pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .